Fresha vs. GlossGenius: A Complete Guide
We take a deep dive into Fresha vs. GlossGenius, including comparing features, pricing, and reviews.
We know running a beauty and wellness business is a lot. Whether it’s figuring out ways to manage client relationships, your schedule, or your team, finding the right software for your needs can feel super overwhelming – especially for small businesses looking to build from the ground up.
That’s why we’re taking two of the most popular beauty and wellness software options on the market today, GlossGenius and Fresha, and diving into their features, pricing, customer support, and reviews to see what’s right for your business.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Key Takeaways
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Fresha is a popular beauty and wellness business management platform that connects business owners to clients, and allows them to manage their bookings accordingly. It has a modern and user-friendly interface, is compatible with different apps, and has a free basic plan. Be forewarned, however, that there is a 20% fee charged for new clients acquired through Fresha's marketplace.
GlossGenius is purpose-built for businesses in the self-care and beauty industry, with core features like stylish point-of-sale (POS) systems, website designers, and marketing tools all available for some of the most affordable rates in the industry. Reviewers appreciate its modern aesthetics and design touches, as well as its ease of use. It has some features specific to beauty and wellness as well, such as processing time for salons.
GlossGenius still has some features it’s building out but it offers one of the best payment processing rates in the industry – flat 2.6% – with its POS system. Compare that to Fresha’s processing rates which range from 2.29% + 20¢ up to 2.79% + 20¢. GlossGenius’ subscription plan prices with the features included, and its payment processing are strong reasons to consider GlossGenius as the more affordable, efficient option.
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GlossGenius vs. Fresha Subscription Plans
Beauty and wellness business management software varies a ton, and so do their subscription plans. That’s why it’s important to carefully review the features included in each plan—you don’t want to end up with one that lacks essential tools for your business.
Fresha is unique in that it does not offer paid subscription plans at all. On the surface, it’s a free product - of course, with new client fees and processing fees, that’s not the case.
Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!
GlossGenius, unlike Fresha, offers different subscription plans to pick from, so you can pick the best one for your business and budget needs. You can also switch your plan at any time on either GlossGenius, so as your business needs grow and change, you can adapt your software.
GlossGenius plan options
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GlossGenius’ subscriptions start at $24 per month. The Standard plan includes many of the features you need to run an individual beauty or wellness business. From online scheduling to a custom website builder. GlossGenius even has calendar management tools, built-in POS, unlimited appointment reminders, and client notes.
GlossGenius has other subscription plans that include more premium features, like automated waitlists, built-in forms and waivers, and an AI assistant to help you craft marketing messages. Another important point is that GlossGenius also doesn’t charge add-on fees for almost any feature. That means that different subscription plans automatically unlock all the features associated with the plan at no extra cost.
Fresha plan options
Fresha has no payment tiers or monthly fees. Instead, it allows for unlimited usage with no subscription fees. It’s pretty much the only software in this category that has this pricing model.
We’ll see soon, however, that add-ons, new client fees, and processing fees might not make it the most affordable option on the market.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Feature Breakdown
Next to pricing, features are one of the most important things to consider when picking software to run your beauty or wellness business. Think of it this way: What features a software offers and how easy they are to use can be the key to how much time you spend on regular business tasks.
Let’s say your booking system doesn’t have waitlists. Imagine the impact on your efficiency. Think of the time wasted on your team spending hours on the phone trying to fill last minute calendar spaces. If your software does offer a waitlist option but it’s super confusing for your team and/or your clients, that’s even more time and frustration.
Check out this comparison of the features between GlossGenius and Fresha:
*100% chargeback protection on payments processed using the GlossGenius card reader and Tap to Pay on iPhone available on the GlossGenius Gold and Platinum plans.
When it comes to simple booking features, Fresha has most covered. Outside of that though, it’s missing some pretty significant core features, like custom, stylish website creators, automatic client booking confirmations, and auto-generated booking forms. GlossGenius’ base plan covers these critical features for $24 a month.
Even if Fresha has a free subscription, additional fees for features you may need can make the cost add up. Here’s a list of some of Fresha’s add-ons to get an idea:
GlossGenius understands that your business needs aesthetically important features like the ones listed here. And most importantly, all these are included in the subscription and not as add-ons.
- Stylish credit card readers
- Modern and customizable booking site templates
- Easy-to-use waitlists
- A forms and waivers builder
- Marketing tools
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Payment Processing Fees
Although payment processing fees might not be the most glitzy or first thing that comes to mind when considering software, it’s one of the most important. Processing fees can build up quickly and hit businesses with unexpected fees. Let’s see how GlossGenius and Fresha stack up.
GlossGenius
GlossGenius has a flat payment processing fee of 2.6% across all payment types and subscription plans. That means there are no additional transaction fees, or different rates based on whether you’re using a card on file or a physical card in your place of business. This is one of the better payment processing rates in the beauty and wellness industry, and it’s easy to understand.
Fresha
Fresha’s payment processing fees range from 2.29% + 20¢ to 2.79% + 20¢ per transaction depending on the transaction type. These rates are standard to slightly above average when compared to competitors.
Check out this table that compares Fresha and GlossGenius processing rates. Here is a full breakdown of Fresha pricing.
POS Hardware Comparison
Especially when you have a lot of first-time business, it’s important to invest in a card machine so you can quickly check out clients before or after their appointments. Let’s take a look at what POS hardware both GlossGenius and Fresha offer for consumers.
GlossGenius
GlossGenius has two POS device options, a small card reader called the Tap & Go and a larger handheld payment terminal that has a client-facing screen called the Pro Reader. GlossGenius’ Tap & Go Reader comes in a variety of colors and designs, so you can pick one that reflects your unique style and brand.
- GlossGenius Tap & Go Reader - $49
- GlossGenius Pro Reader - $299
Fresha
Fresha has one POS hardware option: The Fresha S1. It is available for a one-time fee, which can be requested through the partner portal.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Customer Support
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Fresha customer support
Fresha’s customer support is pretty limited compared to competitors – it’s only available by email and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
GlossGenius customer support
GlossGenius’ customer support line is available Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, through phone and text.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Review Comparison
GlossGenius
The overall sentiment around GlossGenius is positive. Reviewers are satisfied with GlossGenius – particularly booking and scheduling. Some reviewers ask for specific features they’d like GlossGenius to add as it continues to grow its platform.
Fresha
The overall sentiment around Fresha is negative. Reviewers are satisfied with the ease-of-use Fresha offers, but have strong feelings about the customer support response time and quality.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up here, the most important differences between GlossGenius and Fresha are features, processing fees, and add-ons.
Fresha might be right for you if you’re just looking for a simple and easy to use calendar that’s free. However, if you’re looking to use advanced marketing features and low processing rates for your beauty and wellness business, Fresha’s costs will start adding up. Compare that to GlossGenius, which has powerful, stylish customization tools, text and marketing features, and no hidden fees.
A beauty and wellness business management tool should help manage your day-to-day business needs, but also put you in a position where growth and success are encouraged. When you have no access to offerings that are growth-oriented, your small business is less likely to take that next step.
Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!
GlossGenius is a growing name in the software space so some of its functionality is still being built out but if aesthetics and employee management are important to you, GlossGenius could be it. Their software was built specifically for beauty and wellness businesses and offers a sleek and modern feel that can also be customized to fit your brand. GlossGenius also offers features like payroll and financial reporting for more advanced businesses. If you’re looking for a POS system that is built into your system, GlossGenius will often have the lower payment processing rate between the two.
For customers transitioning from other related software, like Fresha, GlossGenius offers free data transfers for new users. GlossGenius will transfer all appointments, client lists, services, and products from your current booking system, no matter what it is, over to GlossGenius for free. GlossGenius also offers a 14-day free trial so you can see how GlossGenius can work for your business without any upfront commitment.
NOTE: All prices and feature comparisons are as of August 12, 2024. GlossGenius has no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement with Fresha, Inc. or its affiliates.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.
The Capterra logo is a service mark of Gartner Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Gartner Digital Markets reviews are shared across its different brands sites and constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-users based on their own experiences and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates.
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We know running a beauty and wellness business is a lot. Whether it’s figuring out ways to manage client relationships, your schedule, or your team, finding the right software for your needs can feel super overwhelming – especially for small businesses looking to build from the ground up.
That’s why we’re taking two of the most popular beauty and wellness software options on the market today, GlossGenius and Fresha, and diving into their features, pricing, customer support, and reviews to see what’s right for your business.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Key Takeaways
[CTA_MODULE]
Fresha is a popular beauty and wellness business management platform that connects business owners to clients, and allows them to manage their bookings accordingly. It has a modern and user-friendly interface, is compatible with different apps, and has a free basic plan. Be forewarned, however, that there is a 20% fee charged for new clients acquired through Fresha's marketplace.
GlossGenius is purpose-built for businesses in the self-care and beauty industry, with core features like stylish point-of-sale (POS) systems, website designers, and marketing tools all available for some of the most affordable rates in the industry. Reviewers appreciate its modern aesthetics and design touches, as well as its ease of use. It has some features specific to beauty and wellness as well, such as processing time for salons.
GlossGenius still has some features it’s building out but it offers one of the best payment processing rates in the industry – flat 2.6% – with its POS system. Compare that to Fresha’s processing rates which range from 2.29% + 20¢ up to 2.79% + 20¢. GlossGenius’ subscription plan prices with the features included, and its payment processing are strong reasons to consider GlossGenius as the more affordable, efficient option.
[CALC_MODULE]
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Subscription Plans
Beauty and wellness business management software varies a ton, and so do their subscription plans. That’s why it’s important to carefully review the features included in each plan—you don’t want to end up with one that lacks essential tools for your business.
Fresha is unique in that it does not offer paid subscription plans at all. On the surface, it’s a free product - of course, with new client fees and processing fees, that’s not the case.
Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!
GlossGenius, unlike Fresha, offers different subscription plans to pick from, so you can pick the best one for your business and budget needs. You can also switch your plan at any time on either GlossGenius, so as your business needs grow and change, you can adapt your software.
GlossGenius plan options
GlossGenius’ subscriptions start at $24 per month. The Standard plan includes many of the features you need to run an individual beauty or wellness business. From online scheduling to a custom website builder. GlossGenius even has calendar management tools, built-in POS, unlimited appointment reminders, and client notes.
GlossGenius has other subscription plans that include more premium features, like automated waitlists, built-in forms and waivers, and an AI assistant to help you craft marketing messages. Another important point is that GlossGenius also doesn’t charge add-on fees for almost any feature. That means that different subscription plans automatically unlock all the features associated with the plan at no extra cost.
Fresha plan options
Fresha has no payment tiers or monthly fees. Instead, it allows for unlimited usage with no subscription fees. It’s pretty much the only software in this category that has this pricing model.
We’ll see soon, however, that add-ons, new client fees, and processing fees might not make it the most affordable option on the market.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Feature Breakdown
Next to pricing, features are one of the most important things to consider when picking software to run your beauty or wellness business. Think of it this way: What features a software offers and how easy they are to use can be the key to how much time you spend on regular business tasks.
Let’s say your booking system doesn’t have waitlists. Imagine the impact on your efficiency. Think of the time wasted on your team spending hours on the phone trying to fill last minute calendar spaces. If your software does offer a waitlist option but it’s super confusing for your team and/or your clients, that’s even more time and frustration.
Check out this comparison of the features between GlossGenius and Fresha:
*100% chargeback protection on payments processed using the GlossGenius card reader and Tap to Pay on iPhone available on the GlossGenius Gold and Platinum plans.
When it comes to simple booking features, Fresha has most covered. Outside of that though, it’s missing some pretty significant core features, like custom, stylish website creators, automatic client booking confirmations, and auto-generated booking forms. GlossGenius’ base plan covers these critical features for $24 a month.
Even if Fresha has a free subscription, additional fees for features you may need can make the cost add up. Here’s a list of some of Fresha’s add-ons to get an idea:
GlossGenius understands that your business needs aesthetically important features like the ones listed here. And most importantly, all these are included in the subscription and not as add-ons.
- Stylish credit card readers
- Modern and customizable booking site templates
- Easy-to-use waitlists
- A forms and waivers builder
- Marketing tools
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Payment Processing Fees
Although payment processing fees might not be the most glitzy or first thing that comes to mind when considering software, it’s one of the most important. Processing fees can build up quickly and hit businesses with unexpected fees. Let’s see how GlossGenius and Fresha stack up.
GlossGenius
GlossGenius has a flat payment processing fee of 2.6% across all payment types and subscription plans. That means there are no additional transaction fees, or different rates based on whether you’re using a card on file or a physical card in your place of business. This is one of the better payment processing rates in the beauty and wellness industry, and it’s easy to understand.
Fresha
Fresha’s payment processing fees range from 2.29% + 20¢ to 2.79% + 20¢ per transaction depending on the transaction type. These rates are standard to slightly above average when compared to competitors.
Check out this table that compares Fresha and GlossGenius processing rates. Here is a full breakdown of Fresha pricing.
POS Hardware Comparison
Especially when you have a lot of first-time business, it’s important to invest in a card machine so you can quickly check out clients before or after their appointments. Let’s take a look at what POS hardware both GlossGenius and Fresha offer for consumers.
GlossGenius
GlossGenius has two POS device options, a small card reader called the Tap & Go and a larger handheld payment terminal that has a client-facing screen called the Pro Reader. GlossGenius’ Tap & Go Reader comes in a variety of colors and designs, so you can pick one that reflects your unique style and brand.
- GlossGenius Tap & Go Reader - $49
- GlossGenius Pro Reader - $299
Fresha
Fresha has one POS hardware option: The Fresha S1. It is available for a one-time fee, which can be requested through the partner portal.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Customer Support
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Fresha customer support
Fresha’s customer support is pretty limited compared to competitors – it’s only available by email and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
GlossGenius customer support
GlossGenius’ customer support line is available Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, through phone and text.
GlossGenius vs. Fresha Review Comparison
GlossGenius
The overall sentiment around GlossGenius is positive. Reviewers are satisfied with GlossGenius – particularly booking and scheduling. Some reviewers ask for specific features they’d like GlossGenius to add as it continues to grow its platform.
Fresha
The overall sentiment around Fresha is negative. Reviewers are satisfied with the ease-of-use Fresha offers, but have strong feelings about the customer support response time and quality.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up here, the most important differences between GlossGenius and Fresha are features, processing fees, and add-ons.
Fresha might be right for you if you’re just looking for a simple and easy to use calendar that’s free. However, if you’re looking to use advanced marketing features and low processing rates for your beauty and wellness business, Fresha’s costs will start adding up. Compare that to GlossGenius, which has powerful, stylish customization tools, text and marketing features, and no hidden fees.
A beauty and wellness business management tool should help manage your day-to-day business needs, but also put you in a position where growth and success are encouraged. When you have no access to offerings that are growth-oriented, your small business is less likely to take that next step.
Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!
GlossGenius is a growing name in the software space so some of its functionality is still being built out but if aesthetics and employee management are important to you, GlossGenius could be it. Their software was built specifically for beauty and wellness businesses and offers a sleek and modern feel that can also be customized to fit your brand. GlossGenius also offers features like payroll and financial reporting for more advanced businesses. If you’re looking for a POS system that is built into your system, GlossGenius will often have the lower payment processing rate between the two.
For customers transitioning from other related software, like Fresha, GlossGenius offers free data transfers for new users. GlossGenius will transfer all appointments, client lists, services, and products from your current booking system, no matter what it is, over to GlossGenius for free. GlossGenius also offers a 14-day free trial so you can see how GlossGenius can work for your business without any upfront commitment.
NOTE: All prices and feature comparisons are as of August 12, 2024. GlossGenius has no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement with Fresha, Inc. or its affiliates.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.
The Capterra logo is a service mark of Gartner Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Gartner Digital Markets reviews are shared across its different brands sites and constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-users based on their own experiences and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates.
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